Chapter 747: Have to return what you borrow

At the end of the White Jade Grand Avenue, outside the human capital in the inner ring of Ancient Emperor Star, Li Yunshan and 30,000 Sword Holders did not enter the city. Even though their numbers were negligible compared to the imperial capital, staying outside prevented any suspicion of overstepping their bounds.

Li Yunshan understood this well. After escorting Xu Qing to the end of the White Jade Grand Avenue, he set up camp with the Sword Holders nearby, only assigning Kong Xianglong and a hundred Sword Holders to accompany Xu Qing and Princess Anhai into the capital.

Due to the earlier fluctuations of the formation, the once bustling streets of the capital were now noticeably emptier. Even though the formation crisis had been resolved, pedestrian traffic remained significantly reduced for some time. Despite this, the city was still more lively than the county capital of Fenghai County, and its vibrancy intensified with the passage of time.

As they walked through the capital, Princess Anhai spoke to Xu Qing and his group. “Xu Qing, within our imperial capital, besides the Upper and Lower Profound Five Palaces, there are other places one must approach with caution. For instance, the Thirty-Three King Mansions… which are now thirty-two,” Princess Anhai paused. “Additionally, there are influential court officials, such as the Prime Minister’s and Ministers’ Mansions, the capital’s 108 Celestial Marquis, and the various Prince’s Mansions.”

“All princes are qualified to establish their own residences, but only within the capital. Beyond these are our human race's ten super sects. These sects possess profound legacies, remain immensely powerful, and some can even be traced back to the era of the Profound Nether Ancient Emperor.”

Upon hearing this, the Captain blinked and looked at Princess Anhai. “I’ve heard of a very famous sect called the Xia Immortal Palace.”

The name stirred something in Xu Qing's heart. Ning Yan also looked at Princess Anhai; although he had some knowledge of these matters, it was clear he didn't know as much as she did. He, too, pricked up his ears, while Wu Jianwu became even more invigorated, as anything related to the Profound Nether was his particular obsession. Kong Xianglong, however, showed no interest in these matters, diligently fulfilling his duty by guarding Xu Qing and observing all directions.

Upon hearing this, Princess Anhai nodded and continued her introduction: “These ten super sects are: the Star Emperor Supreme Sect, founded by the Starry Sky Emperor; the Divine Harvest Cangyu Sect, from which Celestial King Yuling hails; the Ghost Realm Nether Sect, which governs the paths of the Underworld; and the Grand Moon Azure Sect, part of the Imperial Advisor’s lineage. Additionally, there's the Profound Fire Nine Departures Gate, which emerged in later generations; the Red Dust Forgetfulness Tower, whose businesses span countless major domains; the human branch of the terrifying Litu Cult; and the Truth of the Remnant Face, a group that worships the Remnant Face and constantly seeks the Son of God. Finally, there's the Hidden Earth Dao, located beneath the capital or within the abyss, tasked with a special mission.”

Princess Anhai’s words conveyed a wealth of information, as seemingly each sect possessed its own unique characteristics. For instance, Xu Qing had long known that the Litu Cult was a super cult whose influence spanned the entire Wanggu continent. Its doctrine involved seeking holy lands, not merely departing Wanggu. This cult existed among all races, and its main headquarters remained shrouded in mystery.

Xu Qing knew its leader was called the Grand Exorcist. As for the Hidden Earth Dao, Princess Anhai was unaware of its mission because she didn't understand Huang Tian, but Xu Qing immediately had a guess upon hearing it. The mission of a sect residing within an abyss could only be to guard a great gate.

Xu Qing had also heard of the Truth of the Remnant Face. He first learned of this mysterious organization during his time in Southern Phoenix Continent but had rarely interacted with them. Only now did he realize they were one of the imperial capital’s super-势力s.

“The Truth of the Remnant Face worships the Remnant Face?” Xu Qing looked at Princess Anhai, a question in his eyes.

Princess Anhai sighed softly. “Where there is reverence and hatred, there is naturally also worship. This holds true for all races, and humanity is no exception. The Truth of the Remnant Face is an organization like the Litu Cult, with branches among various races. As for their doctrine, it revolves around finding the Son of God. They believe that anyone who survives multiple awakenings of the Remnant Face is divinely blessed and possesses the potential to become the Son of God, hence their search across the entire Wanggu continent for such individuals. They even believe such a person must exist—someone who has endured multiple awakenings of the Remnant Face and yet survived. Such an individual, they contend, is undeniably divinely favored and precisely the Son of God they seek. Once found, they believe that by ritually sacrificing and consuming this person, they can acquire divine power.”

Princess Anhai's words left Xu Qing silent.

“And finally, there's the Xia Immortal Palace, which you mentioned earlier. This palace is exceptionally unique. Legend has it that the Xia Immortal Palace was the very first sect to emerge among all races on the Wanggu continent, and initially, it wasn't exclusively human. Later, the Xia Immortal Palace split. After various emperors, and eventually the Ancient Spirit Empress, unified Wanggu, she abolished the Xia Immortal Palace's system, establishing imperial power as supreme. An agreement was then forged with the Xia Immortal Palace: it would remain largely secluded, with minimal contact with the outside world, allowing only one disciple to emerge every millennium. This disciple would not partake in disputes but would instead record a thousand years of their respective race’s history. Even now, the Xia Immortal Palace continues to honor this agreement with the Profound Nether Ancient Emperor,” Anhai explained, as their group passed a tall, octagonal tower. Constructed entirely of simulated white wood, it resembled a soaring Altar of Heaven, reaching straight into the sky.

The tower was encircled by white walls, emitting no fluctuations, effectively deterring all who approached.

“The Imperial Advisor, who hails from the Grand Moon Azure Sect, permanently resides within this Star-Picking Tower. Many princes and high-ranking officials have never seen his face; only my father, the Emperor, and the Fourth Prince have ever seen him. The Fourth Prince is the Imperial Advisor’s disciple. It is said the Imperial Advisor possesses immense power and astonishing strategic foresight.” Princess Anhai looked up at the clouds, where mist swirled, faintly revealing a pavilion amidst flying dragon beasts, exuding an aura of auspiciousness.

Xu Qing’s gaze swept over the scene, and he nodded slightly. Princess Anhai had accompanied them all this way and thoroughly informed them of all the influential factions within the imperial capital, demonstrating her sincere intentions.

She then turned to Xu Qing. “Young Master, I must now return to the palace. The imperial capital is a place of constant change and intricate human hearts, where various factions intertwine. I urge you to keep a keen eye and discern carefully.” With that, Anhai bowed, and Xu Qing returned the gesture.

Throughout their journey, he had strongly felt Princess Anhai’s genuine desire for friendship, and he naturally intended to reciprocate such goodwill. “I wish the Princess all the best. Please do not hesitate to inform me if there’s anything Xu can assist with in the imperial capital from now on.”

Anhai smiled, then turned and departed.

Watching Princess Anhai’s retreating figure, Ning Yan blinked and was about to speak, but after a glance at Zixuan standing beside him, he chose to remain silent. However, his subtle actions were as clear as a mirror to Zixuan, who then spoke calmly. “Ning Yan, let us proceed to your residence.”

Ning Yan quickly nodded and led the way, walking towards his residence in the capital. Upon reaching adulthood, all princes resided outside the palace, each possessing their own residence within the capital. Ning Yan’s residence was located in the northern district, slightly more secluded than other areas, but from another perspective, it was exceptionally serene.

Notably, the residence was quite extensive, featuring three inner and outer layers, and was complemented by a mirror-like lake outside, which seamlessly integrated with the property. Both the scenery and the ambiance possessed a distinct elegance. Its architectural style was delicate and elegant, with bells adorning the corner towers. As the wind swept across the lake, it created ripples that carried a cool breeze, accompanied by the crisp, echoing chime of the bells.

From a distance, Zixuan’s eyes showed satisfaction and deep appreciation. Xu Qing also noted that this architecture differed significantly from the other buildings they had passed, and even the Captain beside him let out a sound of admiration.

“Here, the wind dances with the water, and sounds resonate with the heart, deeply permeating one's spirit. It’s truly distinctive. Generally, such a place indicates the presence of a natural treasure being nurtured!” As he spoke, he instinctively gazed at the lake and licked his lips.

“My mother had this built for us according to her wishes during her lifetime,” Ning Yan murmured, his expression wistful as he gazed at the residence. He then led the way, not by flying, but by walking directly across the surface of the lake. As his feet touched the water, a ten-colored koi immediately leaped from the depths, its scales shimmering with vibrant hues in the sunlight, its long whiskers trailing as it splashed droplets of water, a truly beautiful sight. Such koi, one after another, continued to leap from the water ahead, seemingly possessing intelligence and recognizing their master. They continuously leaped in the water, escorting Xu Qing and his group all the way to the lake shore.

However, the moment they stepped ashore and arrived at the residence’s main gate, the poetic ambiance they had felt dissipated somewhat, overshadowed by the property's dilapidated state. While the residence looked acceptable from a distance, up close, the pervasive scent of decay immediately assaulted them, a consequence of years of abandonment. The red door was mottled, its bells covered in rust. Pushing open the gate revealed a courtyard overgrown with weeds, exuding an an air of desolation.

Gazing at the scene, Ning Yan felt a pang of bitterness in his heart. He forced a smile and looked at Xu Qing and the Captain. “I’m home,” Ning Yan said. Xu Qing patted his shoulder, while the Captain waved a hand dismissively.

“Little Ning, your home is quite nice,” the Captain declared. “Come on, let’s clean it up together. I believe this is an excellent geomantic location; my calculations show it clearly possesses a ‘latent dragon’ formation, indicating a remarkable future for you!”

Moved by their words, Ning Yan nodded heavily and joined everyone in cleaning.

They hadn't been at the residence for long, but under the diligent efforts of Xu Qing and his group, the entire property quickly became tidy. Kong Xianglong, in particular, thoroughly inspected the surroundings with the Sword Holders. Ning Yan, however, seemed dispirited after inspecting all the rooms, standing motionless as if lost in thought.

Seeing this, Xu Qing approached and inquired. Ning Yan hesitated, then eventually whispered the reason. “A few items are missing,” he admitted. “They were my mother’s relics, left years ago. I left in a hurry back then and couldn’t carry them, so I left them here at home. Now they’re gone. I just sent a sound transmission to my Third Sister to inquire, and she confirmed that the Tenth Prince took them without permission. The Tenth Prince’s maternal clan includes Zhenyan, the First Celestial King of the Human Race. Though the Tenth Prince has an overbearing personality and is not favored by the First Celestial King, few dare to provoke him. If he took them, they’ll be very difficult to get back,” Ning Yan said bitterly.

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing pondered for a moment, then turned to look at Kong Xianglong. Kong Xianglong’s eyes gleamed. Their gazes met, and he instantly understood Xu Qing’s intentions.

“Brother Kong, please have someone send a jade slip to the Tenth Prince’s mansion, informing them to return the ‘borrowed’ items within one day!”